Local Rule 6.01: Motions to Alter Time

6.01: Motions to Alter Time. Requests for enlargement or shortening of time (except as otherwise allowed by consent under Local Civ. Rules 12.01, 29.01, 37.01 (D.S.C.)) must be by motion and accompanied by an affidavit or other statement giving the reasons therefor.

Motions for extension should also include the following information: (1) the date of the current deadline; (2) whether the deadline has previously been extended; (3) the number of additional days requested, as well as the proposed date of the new deadline; and (4) whether the extension requested would affect other deadlines. If the request for an extension of time would affect more than one deadline in the scheduling order, a proposed amended scheduling order in the form used by the assigned judge, including all deadlines not then expired, shall be attached to the motion.

Motions for extension of time for completion of discovery will be granted only in unusual cases and upon a showing that the parties have diligently pursued discovery during the originally specified period. This showing requires a specification of the discovery (including depositions by witness name and date) that has been completed and the depositions (including witness name) and other discovery that remain to be completed.

Scheduling orders generally allow a minimum amount of time between the various deadlines listed in Local Civ. Rules 16.01, 16.02 (D.S.C.) to ensure the orderly progress of the case. (For example, sufficient time is required between the motion deadline and trial date to brief and resolve any motion.)